Frank Lampard, England Midfielder, Retires From International Football

Frank Lampard has retired from international football after 106 caps and 29 goals with England.

Lampard, 36, is currently on loan at Manchester City but will play for the City-owned New York City FC when their inaugural MLS campaign begins in March.

Lampard captained England on his final appearance against Costa Rica

He said:

"I have taken the decision to retire from international football. It has been a very tough decision for me to make which is why I have given it so much thought since the World Cup."

"I have always been exceptionally proud and honoured to represent my country and have to say looking back I have enjoyed every minute of wearing the England shirt.

"Due to my club career now going in a different direction it is of utmost importance for me to consider my family first - also, to concentrate on how I can perform consistently to the best of my abilities over my next few years in club football.

"It is now the time to move forward and I feel very confident that, with Roy Hodgson in charge, the young players that we have coming through and the changes that are being made throughout the development of the youth system in this country, we will have success in the future and a team that this country deserves.

"I would like to thank all the managers that I have worked under, all the players that I have been fortunate enough to play alongside, and all the England fans for their support, not only at home, but particularly on their travels with the team around the world.

"I now look forward to continuing to support the team as a fan and wish them every success for the upcoming campaign towards France 2016."

After making his England debut against Belgium at the Stadium of Light in 1999, Lampard failed to establish himself in the national side until 2004, when he capitalised on Nicky Butt's withdrawal through injury and scored three goals at the European Championship in Portugal.

Despite that auspicious start, Lampard played at three consecutive World Cups without scoring, erroneously denied by a myopic linesman during England's defeat to Germany in Bloemfontein four years ago.

Lampard also had a penalty saved in England's 2006 quarter-final shootout defeat to Portugal in Gelsenkirchen.

Injury deprived England of Lampard at Euro 2012 but he captained the Three Lions on his final international appearance against Costa Rica in June.